We can win World Cup – because I believe in miracles

STEVEN GERRARD admits England need “a miracle” to win the World Cup in 2014.

The Three Lions begin their Brazil qualification bid tonight against Moldova.

Few fans believe boss Roy Hodgson’s side stand a chance of eventually lifting the trophy.

But skipper Gerro said: “Mira- cles do happen, it’s been proved. We must have faith.

“You never stop believing in football. I’m realistic and honest. At the moment, we’re not one of the favourites to win it.

“That doesn’t mean you stop believing, working hard to improve. You try and learn from mistakes at previous tournaments.

“This team has every chance to improve in the next few years, with players coming through and those with the experience.”

England did beat Italy 2-1 in a friendly in Bern last month but this will be Hodgson’s first competitive match since the shootout defeat to the Italians in the Euro 2012 quarter-finals.

Here in Chisinau, they take on a Moldova side ranked No 141 in the world. Boss Hodgson is monitoring knocks to Joleon Lescott, James Milner and Theo Walcott before naming his team.

Arsenal winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is set to start a game that Hodgson insists England will not be taking lightly.

He said: “We are well aware that a very strong Holland team only won here 1-0 and at home 1-0.

“If they can hold Holland on two occasions to a 1-0 victory, then the moral is to make sure we get our victory.

“If it comes with a late or early goal, it is of no consequence for me.

“We want to get the job done — at the moment goal difference doesn’t come into it.

“The most important thing at the moment is to get points on the board.”